NACOGDOCHES, Texas – The Nicholls State University women's volleyball team traded leads with Stephen F. Austin in a back-and-forth battle on Thursday night in Shelton Gym, but the Colonels were unable to come away with the victory, falling 3-0 to the defending Southland Conference Champion Ladyjacks.
 
Playing live on ESPN, Nicholls (5-8, 0-1 SLC) pushed SFA (7-8, 1-0 SLC) on their home floor, but the Ladyjacks pulled away in the opening set for a 25-16 victory. The Colonels punched back in the second, holding advantages throughout the contest, but came up three points short, falling 25-22. Stephen F. Austin cruised in the third set, taking a 25-13 win to seal the match.
 
Coming off of injury, Kaci Eaton was outstanding in her first full match of the season, spearheading the Nicholls offense with 12 kills. Alyse Barclay facilitated the offensive attack with 29 assists and added eight digs on the night. Anna Niederhauser turned in her typical all-around performance, leading the Colonels in digs (17), and finishing second on the team in kills (six) and blocks (two). Sydney Lerille paced the squad with three blocks in the loss.
 
Jacque Allen (11 kills) and Shannon Connell (33 assists and 14 digs) led the Ladyjacks' balanced performance in the victory. Five players recorded six or more kills and four players recorded 12 or more digs on the night.
 
The Colonels will next make the long drive to Natchitoches to face Northwestern State at 1 p.m. on Saturday. The Lady Demons (2-12, 0-1 SLC) are coming off of a straight-set loss to McNeese in their conference opener.
 
Following Saturday's action, the Colonels will head to Texas for matchups with Sam Houston (Thursday, Oct. 1 at 6:30 p.m.) and Lamar (Saturday Oct. 3 at 1 p.m.).
 
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